Abstract: A digital data processing system transfers information with an external device through an interconnect unit over a bus which includes separate sets of lines for transferring control information and transferring user information. The user information lines include bidirectional information transfer lines and undirectional antiparallel lines for transferring direction control signals and synchronization signals between the interconect unit and the external device, the direction control signals indentifying the direction of transfer over the information transfer lines, and the synchronization signals identifying when the transmitting unit has transmitted the signals and when the receiving unit has latched the signals. The control information lines include unidrectional antiparallel lines for transferring control information and a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is transmitted when control information signals are being transmitted on the control information lines.

Abstract: A holder for a toilet paper roll in which the holder includes a spindle on a bracket with the spindle having resilient material thereon for frictionally engaging the central cardboard tube of the toilet paper roll. In one embodiment, the spindle is rigid to the bracket and has a slot therethrough extending longitudinally of the spindle. The resilient material is press-fitted in the slot and projects laterally from the spindle in opposed directions. In another embodiment, the spindle is L-shaped and has an outer end on which the spindle is mounted. The spindle can either be rigid to the outer end of the bracket or rotatably mounted thereon. A cover can be removably mounted on the bracket and the cover has a slot for allowing the paper from the toilet paper roll to pass through the cover. In another embodiment, the bracket and spindle can be mounted on the inner surface of a swingable door or gavel having a paper-receiving slot.

Abstract: A process and structure are described for fixing atmospheric nitrogen to oxygen to produce oxides of nitrogen. Energy required for the conversion process is drawn from radiations produced by radioactive wastes from nuclear reactors. Preferably, two complementary stages are employed in the conversion process. First, waste heat from spent fuel rods is employed as a heat source for producing nitrogen oxides. Second, radioactive waste materials chemically separated from spent reactor fuel rods are employed in a second stage as an ionization source for producing nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: A process and structure are described for protecting objects from the damaging effects of electrical discharges by employing a coating of a conductive, ablative material such as graphite. Upon occurrence of an intense electrical discharge to this material, it evaporates to dissipate the heat produced by the discharge and protect the structural integrity of the object.